Disfagia en el paciente neurocrítico: ¿Que debemos saber los neurocirujanos?

Abstract

Some of the treatments used to treat critical patients, such as endotracheal tube use, can lead to complications such as
dysphagia, defined as difficulty or inability to swallow, secondary to dysfunction in any of the four phases of the procedure.
swallowing (oral preparation, oral, pharyngeal or esophageal propulsion). Its appearance and complications are related in a
manner directly proportional to the time of intubation and stage in the hospital. This, has a negative impact on the quality of life of the patient, as it clearly affects their lifestyle, leading to change their diet, loss of appetite and malnutrition, among others. In addition, it can cause complications such as aspiration or perforation, pneumonia, dehydration and respiratory failure. No specific treatment has been determined when treating dysphagia, however, it has been shown that the use of certain maneuvers can improve the risk of complications and the quality of life of the patient such as the modification of the texture of the patient, diet, postural changes, compensatory maneuvers, therapeutic exercises and nerve stimulation.